Prefect Training

Newly appointed Prefects from Portlaoise College had their Summer holidays cut short this year as they attended a training and leadership program in the scenic area of Glendalough, Co. Wicklow.

The role of Prefects in Portlaoise College is to mentor incoming students, demonstrate leadership among their peers and promote an inclusive school community. On the 20th August, 13 students began their Prefect training in Glendalough, accompanied by Ms. Cripps and Ms. Scully.

The program was divided into two parts. Firstly, they were mentored by staff from the Hermitage Centre, where they were guided to hone their gifts, skills and talents and to draw on these when performing their Prefect duties. Also, under guidance from their teachers, they visited the Upper Lake, Round Tower and the Labyrinth.

The second part of their two day training course consisted of them implementing their team building and leadership skills as they set about preparing the evening meal. This was followed by a group discussion on the role of mentoring incoming First Years and developing a greater sense of school community. The following morning, the team set out for a challenging hike along the Wicklow Mountains.